Rob Denson, president and CEO of Des Moines Area Community College, announced Tuesday that he will retire Dec. 30 after 22 years at the helm of Iowa’s largest community college.

Denson took the position in 2003 and has since become DMACC’s longest-serving president.

DMACC’s board of trustees will hire a consultant and conduct a national search for the college’s next president.

Since Denson joined DMACC, the college has experienced a 50% increase in enrollment and expanded its academic programs and facilities, according to a news release.

“We have accomplished many milestones together over the years as we have adapted and thrived,” Denson said in a prepared statement, highlighting new academic programs, enhanced student support services, and over $100 million in new and renovated facilities.

“I’m most proud of each and every one of the thousands of students who have walked across our stage at graduation,” he said. “By enrolling at DMACC these Iowans have opened new doors to careers, greater prosperity and success for themselves, their families, and communities.”

During Denson’s tenure, DMACC established partnerships with organizations including the Transportation Security Administration, Goldman Sachs, Amazon and Google. He also managed
a $141 million annual budget and guided the college through challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic and a 2021 cyberattack.

Denson, previously served as the president at Northeast Iowa Community College. He has more than 40 years of experience in higher education, including 30 years as a college president.

DMACC board President Joe Pugel led the search that landed Denson at DMACC in 2003 and said several attributes separated Denson from other candidates, including a student-first mindset and the ability to form important partnerships.

“It’s easy to look at the new bricks and mortar across the College to see how DMACC has flourished under Rob’s leadership, but I think the key to his success has been his ability to recognize the needs of our students, faculty and staff, and the communities we serve, then find solutions to those needs,” Pugel said in a prepared statement.

Denson plans to remain in Ankeny with his wife, Pat, and remain connected with DMACC.